Can I Put a Special Needs Baby Up for Adoption?
No matter how much you love your child, you may not have the resources or mental preparedness to give them the care they deserve. You will always have the choice to place your child for adoption, even if they’re facing a life-changing illness or have special needs.
Contact an adoption professional today to find out more about adoption.
This guide will address the common questions birth mothers have about the process of putting a special needs baby up for adoption and how your choice can help you provide your child with the life they deserve.
“Can I Put a Special Needs Baby Up for Adoption?” [Yes, You Can]
The process of “giving a special needs baby up” for adoption to provide a better life for your child may be the right thing for your situation, but the right decision can still feel challenging.
First, we want to tell you that considering adoption for your sick or special needs child is kind and selfless. Recognizing that your child may need more than you can give them is hard but the ultimate act of motherly love.
Learn more about the process of putting a special needs baby up for adoption by finding out some common questions birth mothers have about this situation.
Can I Put a Sick Baby Up for Adoption, and are There Families that Want to Raise a Special Needs Child?
No matter where you live, many families would be happy to give your child the life and love you want them to have.
If you’re considering giving up a child with disabilities, know that you have the right to choose every aspect of your adoption plan — including finding the perfect family for your baby.
An adoption professional will always identify families prepared for and excited to raise your child, regardless of a medical condition.
Can Adoption Agencies Help if I’m Going Through the Process of Giving a Special Needs Baby Up for Adoption?
Adoption agencies across the country place newborns of all races, genders, and ethnicities. Your baby will be no exception, even if born with special needs. You will not have to worry about discrimination during your adoption process.
But, some adoption agencies can provide better services during the process of putting a special needs baby up for adoption than others.
The following adoption agencies can provide adoption resources for children with disabilities:
- Spence‐Chaplin
- Special Angels Adoption
- America World Adoption
- Natural Down Syndrome Adoption Network
Is There a Process of “Giving a Sick Baby Up” for Adoption Before They’re Born?
The process of putting a sick baby up for adoption (or a child with special needs) is similar to any newborn adoption. You’re in charge of every step.
While every adoption is different, this is what you can expect the process of placing a special needs baby up for adoption to look like:
- Step 1: Contact an adoption professional who listens to your situation and provides free information on what to do next.
- Step 2: If adoption is the best choice for you and your baby, you’ll fill out your social and medical history forms and list your preferences for an adoptive family.
- Step 3: Once you’ve returned all the forms to your adoption professional and picked out the right family, you’ll start getting to know your child’s future parents.
- Step 4: Create your hospital plan.
- Step 5: Once your baby is born, you’ll sign your consent to the adoption. This step will officially terminate your parental rights.
Can I Put a Special Needs Baby Up for Adoption After They’re Born?
Yes, you can. But, depending on your child’s age, there are some unique challenges to placing an older child for adoption. Some of these challenges include:
- Less time to find a family
- Less access to financial assistance
- Less time for counseling
That’s not to say that these aspects should stop you from considering adoption. These are just some aspects that your adoption professional will inform you of when you get started.
Can I Place a Special Needs Baby Up for Adoption and Have a Relationship with My Child After the Adoption?
Yes, if you choose open adoption.
When you choose an open adoption, you can decide exactly how much contact you’d prefer to have with your child.
To determine your contact preferences, you’ll want to ask yourself these questions:
- Do you want to send pictures and letters throughout the year?
- Would you like to spend time with them in person?
- Do you want to have a relationship with the adoptive family?
All of this is possible in an open adoption.
Reach out to an Adoption Professional for Assistance
You likely still have questions about the specifics of the process of putting a special needs baby up for adoption. Contact us today for advice.